A Baltimore court has found Patrick Brice guilty of assaulting two elderly pro-life advocates outside a Planned Parenthood facility.
In May 2023, Patrick Brice attacked Richard Schaefer and Mark Crosby, resulting in convictions for second-degree assault and reckless endangerment according to Breitbart.
The incident occurred on May 26, 2023, outside the Planned Parenthood Baltimore Health Center. Brice, a 28-year-old resident of West Baltimore, unexpectedly attacked the two men. Richard Schaefer, 84, and Mark Crosby, 73, were engaged in peaceful advocacy when the assault took place.
Surveillance video of the incident captured Brice initially engaging in a conversation with Schaefer. It quickly escalated, with Brice physically assaulting both Schaefer and Crosby. This footage played a crucial role in the trial.
As a result of the attack, Schaefer sought medical treatment for a head injury that bled and persistent shoulder pain. Crosby sustained an orbital fracture, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light, significantly impacting his quality of life.
Speaking about the attack, Richard Schaefer expressed his bewilderment and distress. "It seems like I was attacked on a city street not doing any harm to people," Schaefer recounted, highlighting the unprovoked nature of the incident.
Mark Crosby detailed the lasting effects of the assault on his daily life. "I have to watch my back all the time," he said, indicating a constant state of hyper-awareness and fear of further attacks. His feeling of safety was drastically altered by the incident.
The attack was widely publicized after being shared on Facebook by Maryland Right to Life on May 30, 2023. This post raised significant awareness about the incident and the risks faced by individuals engaged in public advocacy.
The trial concluded with the jury deliberating for two hours before reaching their verdict. They found Brice guilty of two counts of second-degree assault and one count of reckless endangerment.
However, the jury acquitted Brice of first-degree assault against Schaefer and did not reach a verdict on the same charge for Crosby. The distinction between first and second-degree assault became a pivotal point of the trial, especially concerning the intent to cause serious harm.
Assistant Public Defender Matthew Connell argued that his client "did not intend to cause serious physical injury," a key element required for a conviction of first-degree assault.
The Baltimore State’s Attorney's Office is currently considering the trial's outcomes and community reactions. "…reviewing the matter and will take whatever action we believe is warranted following that review and consultation with the victim,” stated James Bentley, a spokesperson for the office.
This statement indicates a careful review of the incident and its broader implications, possibly hinting at additional legal actions or community safety measures that may follow.
The unresolved first-degree assault charge against Brice poses the potential for a retrial, though it remains uncertain as the legal team evaluates their options. This aspect continues to hang over the case as both the prosecution and defense consider their next steps.
Pending further court proceedings, Patrick Brice is scheduled to be sentenced on March 20. The sentencing will address the convictions obtained and potentially set precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future.
As the community awaits the sentencing, questions about safety, the rights of advocates and the consequences of public assaults remain prominent. The case has become a significant point of discussion regarding civil behavior and the protection of free speech in public spaces.